Hinterland Winery: Exceptional Sparkling Wines from Prince Edward County
Hinterland Winery has built a stellar reputation for its sparkling wines. The cool climate of Prince Edward County is perfect for producing wines with high acidity and a refined minerality, both key elements in great sparkling wines. Here are some of their best offerings:
1. Les Etoiles 2016 Method Traditional - Recently Disorged
Made from only the softly pressed grapes of our estate grown Chardonnay (35%) and Pinot Noir (65%), the nose has clean perfumed aromatics of pome fruit, citrus blossom, and brioche. The palate is dry (brut) and concentrated with good mid-palate and significant length. The bubble is small, tight and persistent. This wine simultaneously manages to exude power and grace.
Our RD Les Etoiles was aged in bottle for 7 years (84 months) and with zero dosage. Made in the traditional method, the RD 2016 Les Etoiles will be perfect to enjoy by the winter holidays.
Food Pairing:
This wine is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with seafood dishes like oysters, shrimp cocktails, or grilled scallops. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of these dishes, while the bubbles refresh the palate between bites. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh goat cheese, bruschetta, or even a charcuterie board with prosciutto and mild cheeses.
2. Hinterland Rosé 2020 Method Traditional
Rosé is the best wine for the champagne lover who loves supporting local. The added benefit is that you don't have to pay champagne prices!
The Rosé 2020 Method Traditional is a traditional method sparkling wine consisting of estate grown Pinot Noir (74%), Chardonnay (16%) and Pinot Gris (10%) grapes.
Very ripe fruity flavours, ripe red berry & fresh brioche are the dominating characteristics. The 2020 Rosé has refreshing acidity balanced by the great length on the palate. Powerful and generous for a sparkling wine. It tastes just like champagne!
Food Pairings for Hinterland Rosé 2020 Method Traditional
The freshness and acidity of the rosé will cut through the richness of grilled shrimp or lobster. Add a squeeze of lemon or a tangy herb butter to bring out the citrus and berry flavors of the wine.
Pair the Hinterland Rosé with a grilled chicken salad that includes fresh strawberries, mixed greens, and a light vinaigrette dressing. The wine's crisp acidity and fruitiness will accentuate the salad's flavors while complementing the lightness of the chicken.
Fresh Oysters - The briny saltiness of the oysters enhances the crisp, fresh acidity of the wine, making for an elegant pairing. A dash of lemon or mignonette sauce can elevate the flavors even more.
3. Whitecap 2023 Method Charmat
Whitecap is the sparkling wine everyone likes.
Your locally grown answer to Prosecco.
Named after the whitecaps of Lake Ontario, the Whitecap is a charmat method sparkling wine from 2023.
Made with Riesling and Vidal grapes, the Whitecap is a very fresh, aromatic and flavourful sparkling wine with peach and tropical fruit on the nose and pleasing acidity on the palate. Its fine creamy texture makes the Whitecap incredibly easy to drink.
This vintage is especially delicious. Very fruit forward on the nose and a lovely lingering acidity on the finish. The Whitecap is our perennial bestseller for a reason!
The Whitecap achieves its bubbles by undergoing a secondary fermentation in a large stainless steel Charmat tank. The process was first discovered by French winemaker Eugene Charmat in 1907 and today is most commonly used in the production of prosecco.
This process is ideal for aromatic and fruit forward sparkling wines and produces wine for immediate enjoyment.
Food Pairing:
Pair this wine with lobster or crab cakes, where its acidity will complement the delicate sweetness of shellfish. You can also enjoy it with a rich buttery pasta such as fettuccine alfredo or brie cheese on crackers.